A major exhibition is being staged to give a spectacular last farewell to motorbike legend Mike Hailwood. Oxford-born Hailwood was a champion motorcyclist who became known as the Prince of Wheels, after being undefeated in ten world championships and 14 TT races.

He made his name between 1961 and 1967, in the 250cc/350cc and 500cc classes, before beginning his four-wheel career in 1968.

His love of speed started when he was aged seven, riding a mini-bike around the lawns of the family's mansion home in Highmoor Hall, Nettlebed. His parents later moved to a house in Boars Hill, Oxford.

But in March 1981, the motor racing legend, who enjoyed a brilliant 21-year career, was fatally injured, when his car collided with a lorry. The collision instantly killed his nine-year-old daughter Michelle, and Hailwood died three days later in intensive care. He was 41.

For the past 17 years, an annual memorial presentation has been held in his memory by family and friends, but remaining members of his 1960s Honda racing team have decided this year to say a final farewell. The event on September 4 at Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington, York, will include stars from Formula 1 and motorcycling, who will recall their memories of 'Mike The Bike'.

A display of every type of bike ridden by the great man and a Hailwood memorabilia exhibition will also be on show.

David Tappin, lecture and special events co-ordinator, said: "This tribute is attracting more interest than anything I have been involved with in my seven years at the museum. "With his tragic unnecessary death 17 years ago, Mike Hailwood passed into legend and the night will be one of happiness and possibly the occasional tear.

"His memory still arouses deep and sensitive emotions in the legions of ordinary fans including myself, who worshipped this irreverent 'laughing cavalier', as a child of the Gods in his heyday."

He added: "A gentleman in his mid-50s, a complete stranger, wept openly over the telephone when I told him of what was planned.

"I was not embarrassed or surprised. Mike touched all our lives in a unique way. I understood this man's feelings perfectly."

After leaving motorcycle racing, Mike continued to race with some success in Formula 1, but a major crash finished his career in 1974.

In 1978, almost 12 years after his last motorcycle championship, Hailwood achieved the impossible, returning to the Isle of Man and becoming TT winner for the 14th time.

The 'Living Legend' defeated riders young enough to be his children and set a new lap record with an average speed of 111.75mph.

Tickets are available from the museum, price £15, with the show starting at 6.30pm. For further information call 01904 608595.

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